Gator Chomp

The Gator Chomp is a gesture made by fans and players of the University of Florida to show their support of their Florida Gators sports teams. The chomp originated in 1981.

The Gator Chomp is done by fully extending one's arms, one over the other, in front of the body with the palms facing each other. The arms are then moved apart and together to symbolize an alligator's mouth.[1] This gesture is often used to jeer and intimidate opposing players and fans by Florida fans and athletes.[2][3] The Gator Chomp is typically accompanied by the Pride of the Sunshine, Florida's marching band, playing the two-note shark motif from the film Jaws.[4]

Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama, performed the Gator Chomp during a 2008 campaign visit to Gainesville.[5]

References

  1. ^ Fightin' Gators: A History of the University of Florida Football by Kevin M. McCarthy, p.38 ISBN 978-07385-0559-6
  2. ^ Fightin' Gators: A History of the University of Florida Football by Kevin M. McCarthy, p.7 ISBN 978-07385-0559-6
  3. ^ There's no debate about the greatness of Tebow Los Angeles Times, 9 January 2009.
  4. ^ Saturdays: At the Swamp by David Stirt, Glenn Danforth, Danny Wuerffel, p.118 ISBN 1-58261-113-0
  5. ^ Michelle Obama's Visit: Minute by Minute The Gainesville Sun, 22 October 2008.

Sources